Italian Sausage & Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon each: salt and black pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 16 oz box gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ bag fresh spinach, stems removed

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the tomato paste deepens slightly in color and everything is well combined.
3. Season with the Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, or until the gnocchi are tender.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper on top, if desired.